The effect of an organic trace element supplement on metabolic parameters, milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows

In a trial with 2 x 3 lactating cows, the effect of an organic (ORG) trace element supplement (BIOPLEX Cu, Mn, Zn and SEL-PLEX*) on performance and selected metabolic parameters was investigated in comparison to inorganic sources (INORG). Cu sulfate, Mn oxide, Zn oxide and Na selenite served as inorganic trace element sources. The experimental diet consisted of hay, corn silage fed ad libitum and concentrates distributed according to milk yield. At the end of the experimental period, the cows were slaughtered, liver, kidneys and phalanx proximalis were removed.<br>Animals of the two treatments INORG and ORG neither differed in milk yield (INORG 24.4, ORG 25.1 kg ECM milk/day) nor in milk composition (fat, protein, Cu, Mn, Zn, Se) including somatic cell count. Furthermore, no difference was observed for Cu, Mn, Zn and Se concentration in the liver, kidney, outer hair and phalanx proximalis. The metabolic profile did not reveal any significant treatment effects either.<br>*ALLTECH INC. KY, USA